As the halls of Windsor High fill with the sounds of the choir, dozens of students and staff gather in the corridors to congratulate a beloved member of the Windsor Public Schools family on being named Paraeducator of the Year.
Samuel Dukes joined Windsor High School 3 years ago, yet he has already won the hearts of students and employees alike. “I look back at my time as a student in high school and remember that I wish I had someone I could talk to and just vent my problems to,” shares Samuel in his essay. “I keep reflecting on my time in high school, and I remember Mr. Wells, a resource teacher I met in my sophomore year. He changed the trajectory of my life by just being an ear for me to vent to. So I strive to be that for all the students and be the pillar of understanding that they deserve in their lives.”
Paraeducators play a vital role in our school system, assisting teachers and staff in delivering instructional services. They support students in mastering material, ensure they feel safe and seen, and help those with various needs thrive in the classroom. Samuel has gone above and beyond in these duties, earning the respect and admiration of the entire Windsor Public Schools community. As the District Paraeducator of the Year, Samuel will serve as Windsor’s nominee for the State of Connecticut's Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year award.
Samuel’s dedication to service is nothing new; before joining Windsor Public Schools, he received the Top Customer Service in CT (2013) award and the Community Involvement Award. He also volunteers his time as a mentor for at-risk youth at CRT in Hartford and with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Connecticut. We are truly thankful for everything Samuel does for Windsor Public Schools and look forward to many more years of working together!
